Five Things to Consider When Launching a New Single

Published on December 3, 2015

Ready for the world to hear to hear your brand new track after spending hours in the studio recording it? Not sure exactly how to go about it? You’re not alone! Understanding the moving parts behind a release is half of the battle, and we’re here to help. Let’s honour the time you spent toiling over the tracking process and do this right. This checklist is meant to be used as a resource as you plan your next single release.

So how can you successfully launch your new single into the ether and ensure maximum impact?

Register with your local Performing Rights Organization (PRO)

This is one of the most important aspects of launching your new single, but often overlooked so we’re including it. It is so important that, as an independent artist, you protect your rights. You only have to do this once, so just go get it done (if you haven’t already). There are so many agencies that can help you with just that. For more information check out some of these helpful sites: ASCAP (US), BMI (US), TONO (NOR), SOCAN (CAN), PRS for Music (UK), or simply search for your local musicians’ rights organization online.

Set your goals

Is this single just a way to get your name out there? Or are you looking to earn some money off of the track? Are you planning to release only digitally, or is a physical in your future? It may seem like a no-brainer, but sitting down and really figuring out your goals will help determine how you measure the success of your single, and what next steps you will need to make in order to get your music out there.

Key takeaway: What is your end goal for this release? Write it down and remember it.

Prepare your online profiles

That means social media, website and even your email signature. Update your bios, contact information and ensure that you’re easily accessible on all platforms online. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to overhaul everything, but make sure all information is current. When your single launches, news of this single should be clearly communicated in all of the listed platforms.

Prepare these updates ahead of time (in a word document or notepad), so that when you launch, you can simply copy + paste the updated information

Key takeaway: Your release should be reflected on all platforms, take care to ensure no profile page is left out!

Service your single to all relevant platforms

That means iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, Deezer – the more platforms that your song can be heard on, the better. Make sure you have an account with a digital distributor such as TuneCore, Finetunes, CD Baby, Phonofile (there are many to choose from) so you can upload your tracks to these platforms. BandCamp is another key resource when it comes to distributing your music, and you can set that up yourself!

Key takeaway: Where do you want fans to access your song? Probably everywhere! Figure out where your listeners are and make sure your music is easily accessible.

Activate online

Your music is out in the world, it’s time to start marketing it. Remember your goals for this track and build your marketing plan accordingly. Setting up a Show.co e-mail for download campaign will grow your mailing list, while a secure audio campaign will help you promote across different platforms. You should be promoting your new single on social media and on mailing lists by sharing with fans where they can stream or download your single. So do your research and figure out the best way for you to reach your fans. Once they’re listening, don’t hesitate to ask them to share.

Building a marketing plan is a blog post on its own – look for it soon on the Show.co blog!

Key Takeaway: When executed properly, your marketing plan will bring you closer to your end goals.

Key Takeaway: Make sure your release is noticed by promoting across all of your social media platforms.

We recently published a blog surrounding the launch of a music video. The social media tactics from that post are transferable here, so make sure to give it a read.